Political Reporter
An ambitious campaign by some MDC Alliance supporters to raise over US$120 000 for the purchase of a new armored luxurious vehicle for Nelson Chamisa has reportedly hit a brick wall as a number of that party’s supporters are snubbing the initiative.
A source who spoke to this publication, said the campaign has caused some frictions within that party as some senior members opined that all fund raisings should be done to help the party not an individual.
“The campaign has divided the party as some members are accusing Chamisa of playing with people’s emotions to enrich himself. The majority of our members argues that Chamisa’s life is not under much threat to the extent that he will need an armored vehicle. Just an all-terrain vehicle would be enough for Chamisa,” said the source.
The source added that it was prudent for the party to fundraise to pay outstanding salaries of fired workers and 2018 electoral agents who are yet to be paid.
“It was prudent if the fundraising was to raise funds to settle outstanding salaries of all fired party workers. Our 2018 agents are yet to be paid, but we are prioritizing a vehicle at the expense of people’s welfare. We should revisit our priorities as a party,” said the source.
The source said some party leaders were accusing the organizer of the fundraising, Theophilus Basvi, of jumping protocol by starting a fundraising initiative without seeking approval from the party. According to the source, some MDC Alliance leaders are clandestinely contacting people in the diaspora urging them not to donate anything towards Chamisa’s vehicle.
“Some leaders are contacting our diaspora community urging them not to donate anything towards the purchase of Chamisa’s vehicle. They are telling them that if they want to donate anything towards the party, they should do so through the national treasurer David Coltart,” added the source.
As of yesterday, the fundraising campaign had raised approximately US$4000, with reports saying that the number of donors is surprisingly low.
